Rome, Ga. - The Shorter College Hawks football team held their fourth annual football banquet on Sunday night in the capacity-filled Winthrop-King Centre, to honor their 9-4 season, which included a berth in the NAIA National Football Championship playoffs. The 2008 team and coaching staff were on hand, along with parents, support staff and friends of the Mid-South Conference Western Division Championship team.

"This is always a special night for the program," said head football coach Phil Jones. "What makes this one even more special is that tonight we get a chance to recognize our first full class of graduating seniors. These are some of the most talented and dedicated men I have ever known, and it is a group I will always remember."

Coach Jones also received recognition for his numerous awards this season, including FCA Coach of the Year, NAIA Region 1 Coach of the Year, and Mid-South Western Division Coach of the Year.

Additionally, each position coach presented plaques and certificates to every member of the team, and NAIA and Mid-South Conference award winners received acknowledgement for their efforts. The event concluded with a word of commitment to the upcoming 2009 season.

"We hope every year is better than the last," Jones added. "With such an exceptional and memorable season behind us, to accomplish that feat would be quite a milestone."

The Hawks football team is currently in the middle of the spring practice season, which lasts until March 7 when the team will have their annual Blue and White scrimmage game.

The 2008 team finished the season with nine wins and three losses, and was ranked #11 in the final NAIA poll. They advanced to the NAIA National Playoff Championship against University of the Cumberlands, after beating Bethel College in the final game of the regular season to earn the Mid-South Conference Western Division Championship.